Keeping your brain SHARP

Keeping your head straight can be extremely difficult while going through college or university. There are constantly so many things on the go, and DRAMA on top of it. Here are my best tips on keeping you brain SHARP as the semester comes to an end, but there is still a ton to do.

1. Drink TONS of water.
2. Get enough sleep but not TOO much sleep. 
3. Relax your mind every once in a while with mindless activities, like painting, running, yoga, or knitting (whatever relaxes you).
4. Eat a lot of fruits and veggies.
5. Don't get distracted by social media during study periods 
6. Have meaningful conversations about school. Discussing school and assignments in a normal, casual setting can actually help you learn more about the assignment and help you see it in a different light. 
7. Get enough fresh air.
8. Exercise regularly.
9. Don't get frustrated with yourself! (Give yourself a break, I know that's easier said than done, but if you are putting in effort you will eventually see the results) 
10. Prioritize and concur!

You can do it! Push through these last few weeks and the results will benefit you for years to come! Good luck everyone!

Guidance

In your classes when you do not understand something it is important to ask questions, do not be shy or afraid to ask your peers and professor any questions you may have in will help you in the long run. If you are a shy person and have trouble asking a question during class write down questions that you are curious about and ask your professor after class. You can also Email your teachers if you have questions throughout the weeks, sometimes it can be a hassle to email, but it is well worth it and it helps put a lot. Your Professors are there to offer you guidance and support throughout the year so do not hesitate to ask questions there are no wrong questions only curiosity.

Preparing for Presentations

Presentations can be nerve-racking to some students because they fear possible embarrassment. For example, one may forget what they wanted to say or another may be so nervous, that they stutter while speaking. Here are some tips on how you can prepare yourself for a presentation to help you overcome these scary, negative feelings and help you gain the confidence you did not know you were capable of having.

Tip One: Rehearse

Rehearing is the most important thing when it comes to presentation, whether you are presenting with a group or alone. Rehearsing helps your group and yourself to memorize your important ideas. This means you will able to concentrate on your delivery and elaborate on your ideas.  It also creates fluidity within your group and makes the presentation sound strong and attracts listeners’ attention. Lastly, rehearsing helps the group stay within the given time frame.

Tip Two: Tone

The presenter’s tone indicates their passion about the topic. This gives your audience an indication about how they should feel about the presenter’s ideas and the value they hold. Therefore, it is important to practice different tones in order to convey the message that you want your audience to receive. Tone is powerful. It also captures and maintains an audience’s attention. 

Tip Three: Pace

Pacing is another important thing to remember when presenting. It helps the audience understand the presenter when they’re speaking, as well as helps the audience process and interpret information. Pacing also helps the presenters stay on time and keeps them from rushing.

Tip Four: Involve your Audience

Be interactive. Play games, such as kahoot and others, ask questions and have open discussions with your audience. Even get your audience up out of their seats and moving around. This engagement serves to involve them in the learning process and thereby, solidifies their learning and comprehension. Using videos, graphics, charts, diagrams, and other strategies to attract your audience’s attention will reach multiple audience members and their different styles of learning.

Tip Five: Appearance

Presenters should be in formal, professional clothing and present themselves as mature and serious. As well, being prepared and organized are also essential. Their time is valuable and in order to respect that, an efficient and strong presentation will be impressive and maintain their attention.